Amir, Ali and Riaz included in Pakistan’s World Cup squad

The Pakistani selectors have made some major changes to the initial 15-man squad for the World Cup. Pacers Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz along with batsman Asif Ali have all been included, with Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan and Abid Ali missing out.

It’s the bowling department where Pakistan have opted for a major refresh after the poor performance in the series against England. The Men in Green lost the series 4-0 with their pacers being taken to the cleaners in all the four matches. This has led to the selectors opting for the experience of Amir and Riaz in place of the Ashraf and Khan who both looked out of sorts in the series.

Middle-order batsman Asif Ali has also been included in the squad after some impressive showings in the series against England. He replaces Abid Ali, who was set to be the reserve opener in the initial squad. His inclusion will offer Pakistan some much-needed power hitting ability down the order.

Pakistan finalises make-up of World Cup squadhttps://t.co/I4xFbvC5sF #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/tTdA8iC6Pj

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 20, 2019

Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in his press conference said on changes in the Pakistani bowling department:

“The bowling unit during the England ODIs has not clicked as anticipated or expected; if we have at our disposal two vastly experienced pace duo of Amir and Wahab, then it will be foolish not to include them.”

He also said on Asif Ali’s inclusion:

“Asif Ali has proved his firepower can be an asset for Pakistan in the tournament.”